A new Bell 429 helicopter has been delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) at Bell's Mirabel facility in Canada. The delivery marks important milestones: for Bell it represents the 400th Bell 429 helicopter delivered; and for the Coast Guard it represents the completion of its light helicopter renewal programme, launched in 2014.

“Through the Canadian Coast Guard's fleet renewal plan, we're ensuring our members have the best available equipment with which to do their jobs. The Coast Guard's fleet of Bell 412 and 429 helicopters and the pilots play an important role in ensuring that Coast Guard services are available to Canadians wherever they may be,” says CCG commissioner Mario Pelletier.

The CCG fleet of light and medium helicopters comprises seven Bell 412EPIs and 16 Bell 429s. These helicopters provide support to ships engaged in critical maritime work including aids to navigation, environmental response, icebreaking operations and in support of search and rescue operations. This latest addition represents the culmination of seven years of ensuring the Coast Guard has the equipment it needs; the final delivery under the helicopter renewal plan.

“With this procurement, our Canadian Coast Guard's light helicopter fleet is fully renewed. This is so important because a strong, well-equipped Coast Guard is one of the best ways to save lives on the water and protect our marine environment,” says the minister of fisheries, oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard the honourable Joyce Murray.

In 2014-2015, Bell and Bell Textron Canada were awarded contracts by the Government of Canada to deliver a fleet of 23 state-of-the-art helicopters to the Canadian Coast Guard. The value of the contract is over $338 million dollars.

“We are proud to contribute to the accessibility, sustainability and security of our Canadian waters,” adds Bell Textron Canada president Steeve Lavoie. “Through our proven expertise and a well-established Canadian support network, Bell continues to serve citizens around the world. With this aircraft, CCG is now the largest Bell 429 operator.”